C205 Storm Is gathering

While the atmosphere inside the hospital room remained warm... A very different atmosphere was beginning to form inside Lucia Goods Headquarters. The morning sun reflected brightly against the glass walls of the towering headquarters. After driving far more carefully than usual, I finally pulled into the executive parking area. I switched off the blue Hyundai's engine and let out a long breath. "So this is what Grandpa meant..." "Driving really is tiring."

As I stepped out of the car, countless employees walking toward the building slowed their footsteps. Some greeted me respectfully. "Good morning, Vice Director." "Morning, Sir." Others simply whispered among themselves. "Isn't that Mooney's car?" "Did the Mr Mooney give him one of his own vehicles?" "I heard Director Alicia isn't coming today." "I wonder what's going on." Pretending not to hear any of the gossip, I entered the headquarters.

The receptionist immediately stood up. "Good morning, Vice Director Smith." I smiled politely. "Good morning." She handed me several files. "Director Alicia won't be reporting for work today?" I nodded. "Yes." "Please redirect every call, meeting request and urgent document to my office." "I'll handle everything for today." "Understood, Vice Director." I took the files and headed upstairs. The moment I disappeared into the executive elevator... The whispers spread throughout the company. "The Director isn't coming?" "On only her second day?" "What happened?"

Even department managers soon heard the news. Inside the Development Department... Supervisor Thomas Becker quietly closed his office door. Moments later... Production Department Supervisor Edward McCarthy walked inside. Thomas folded his arms. "So..." "The Director isn't here today." Edward nodded. "Looks like the Vice Director is handling today's operations." Thomas frowned. "This is our chance." Edward understood immediately. "You mean..." "The inspectors?"

Thomas nodded. "We've managed these departments for years." "There has never been any need for Chief Inspectors." "This company has always operated perfectly well." Edward leaned forward. "If those appointments go through..." "We'll have someone watching every decision we make." "Every report." "Every approval." Thomas smiled coldly. "Exactly." "So before that happens..." "We stop it." Edward nodded. "I'll contact Human Resources." "They can't simply force appointments without hearing the department supervisors."

Within minutes... Both supervisors were seated inside HR. Thomas spoke confidently. "The Development Department has functioned efficiently for years." "Our workflow has never required an inspection office." Edward added, "The Production Department follows exactly the same system." "Our experienced staff already supervise every stage." "Adding another layer of inspection will only delay production."

The HR Manager quietly listened before asking, "So..." "You're formally objecting to Director Alicia Mooney's appointments?" Thomas answered immediately. "Yes." Edward nodded. "We request that the appointments of Mr. Adam Tavez as Chief Inspector of Development and Mr. Leon Wright as Chief Inspector of Production be suspended." "They're unnecessary." The HR Manager frowned. "I'll report your concerns to management."

Several minutes later... My office telephone rang. I picked it up. "Vice Director Smith speaking." The HR Manager's voice came through. "Vice Director..." "I've just received a formal objection from Supervisor Thomas Becker and Supervisor Edward McCarthy." I leaned back slowly. "I see..." She continued. "They're requesting that the appointments of Mr. Adam Tavez and Mr. Leon Wright be cancelled." "They believe the current system has worked well for years."

I remained silent. The HR Manager spoke again. "There is also a scheduled executive meeting regarding company procedures and workflow." "It begins at nine o'clock." "Boardroom D." "The supervisors specifically requested management attendance." She hesitated. "Director Alicia isn't available..." "Will you be attending?" I looked at the clock on the wall. Just after eight. After thinking for several moments... I answered calmly. "Yes." "I'll attend." "I want everyone present." "I'll be there before nine." "Understood, Vice Director." The call ended.

I slowly placed the receiver down. For several seconds... I simply stared at the documents on my desk. Then I quietly smiled. "So..." "This isn't really about inspectors." I folded my hands together. "Either those two supervisors are hiding something..." "...or..." "They simply refuse to accept Alicia and me." I slowly stood and walked toward the office window overlooking the massive factory complex below. Thousands of employees were already hard at work. "Whatever the reason..." "I'll find out myself."

The HR Manager made one more call. This time... To Alicia. After hearing the entire report... She simply smiled. "So they've already started." She looked toward everyone in the room before replying calmly, "Let them jump around for today." "Tomorrow..." "I'm going back to work." She ended the call without another word. The room instantly became quiet. Peter looked at her in surprise. "My granddaughter..." "The doctor recommended two days of observation."

Alicia smiled stubbornly. "I've rested enough." "They're trying to make things difficult for my husband." "I won't stay here while people challenge him." She looked directly at Peter. "Grandpa..." "Please arrange my discharge papers tomorrow." Peter stared at her for several moments... Before finally smiling helplessly. "You're just as stubborn as your mother." "If that's what you truly want..." "I'll arrange everything."

At the Wood family residence... The morning had begun much more slowly. Sarah, exhausted after yesterday's excitement, was still asleep. Samantha had already been waiting downstairs for almost twenty minutes. She glanced at the wall clock. 8:15 a.m. Fortunately... Both of them held senior positions within Wood IT. A slight delay wouldn't immediately attract criticism. Still... It wasn't like Sarah. Moments later... Kelvin, Tracy and Ben entered the dining room.

Kelvin immediately noticed Samantha. "My child..." "Aren't you leaving for work?" Before Samantha could answer... Footsteps sounded from upstairs. Sarah appeared, rubbing her sleepy eyes. The moment she saw everyone already awake... She froze. "Oh..." "I'm sorry." "I overslept." She looked apologetically toward Samantha. "I'm sorry for making you wait." Samantha smiled gently. "It's alright."

Tracy looked at Sarah with concern. "My daughter..." "Why did you sleep so late?" "Were you feeling unwell?" She instinctively glanced toward Sarah's stomach. "Is the baby alright?" Sarah smiled softly. "I'm fine, Mom." "I was just too excited yesterday." The mention of the baby immediately darkened Ben's expression. He slammed his cup onto the table. His voice was cold. "Even if something had happened..." "It wouldn't be the first pregnancy to end in a miscarriage." The dining room... Instantly fell silent.